SHILLONG: In view of the prevailing Covid situation, the Meghalaya government has decided to impose a complete lockdown in East Khasi Hills district from 8 PM of 5th May till 5 AM of 10th May 2021.
Weekend lockdown will also be imposed in all districts in the State.
In pursuance to the notification given by the Health and Family Welfare Department vide No.Health.21/2020/Pt.VII/103 dated 29/04/2021 on Mask-Wearing Protocols and in view of the highly infectious variant of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus, in which mask-wearing has been classified as an important strategy to suppress transmission and save lives. Read more
And whereas mask usage amongst the population in East Khasi Hills in general and Shillong Urban Area, in particular, has been observed to be sloppy and careless, and in some cases as a mere formality whenever law enforcement agencies are around, And whereas masks made with fabrics such as cotton are commonly used by many but may be inadequate for maximum protection, Hence to prevent further transmission of the virus, all persons who step out of their homes, move-in public or interact with persons not from their household, are required to ensure the following:-
1. They should wear a three-ply surgical mask or an N-95 mask.
2. Cotton masks if worn must be layered with a three-ply surgical mask underneath.
3. Plastic or leather mask made from loosely woven material, knitted masks, masks made of fabric that lets light pass through, or masks made with only one layer of fabric do not ensure protection and are not recommended. A person using such a mask will switch to appropriate protective masks at the earliest.
4. Wearing the mask on the chin, or lowering the mask while speaking, or wearing a mask without covering the nose must be avoided at all costs since there is zero protection in such cases.
5. Persons who are mobile or move around frequently are advised to wear masks inside their homes as well, especially when around elderly or co-morbid family members.
Detailed guidelines for wearing masks including use, storage, cleaning, and disposal as notified in the aforesaid government protocol are to be followed by all citizens.
A casual attitude towards proper mask-wearing can potentially cause rapid transmission of the virus, hence endangering lives, and may be considered an offense, for which action will be taken as deemed fit and proper.
Earlier today, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong, announced on Tuesday that the Meghalaya government will provide free vaccines for 18-44 age groups. Tynsong said this after reviewing the COVID-19 situation that the government has already paid for 42,000 vaccine doses to the Serum Institute of India in Pune. Each dose cost the government Rs 300. He said that the government has decided to give these vaccines for free to all beneficiaries.
However, vaccination of people in this age group has already started in other parts of the country. Meghalaya has not yet started it as the enrollment of beneficiaries is underway. Tynsong said that the exercise has been delayed due to a shortage of vaccines which is not under the control of the government. Also, the state is set to get additional 75,000 doses after Health Minister AL Hek had taken up the matter with the Union Health Minister, which are meant for government hospitals.